Buying my first gun

Hello everyone I'm new to these forums and actually to the world of guns. After doing a of research I've decided for my first gun to be a da 22 revolver. I'm 20 years old and I plan on buying a gun with my dad on the 18th at a south Florida gun show. As for which one to get, I'm having trouble deciding.

I plan on spending no more than 500 (trying to stay below 400 but I'll pay more if needed). I've researched the Taurus trackers a lot but I'm not sure about them. People either love them more than anything, or wouldn't touch them. My second choice would be the s&w model 17s, I'm not sure how much those go for though. The s&w 617 6inch is my ideal choice, but I'm hesitant to spend that much on my first gun. I have more money coming in though so if I absolutley must spend more, I'll make it happen

Also I should note that I plan on shooting this gun a lot. I plan on getting a lot of practice in before I can get my concealed permit when I turn 21

any suggestions of other guns, prices, and reviews are greatly appreciated!

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PabloJ

December 9, 2010, 12:10 PM

If I ever buy .22 revolver it will be what they call Smith & Wesson 'Kit Gun' built on I or J frame. They have two significant advantages over anything K-framed: lower price and smaller size. Older stainless ones with combat style wooden grips are especially nice.

dc.fireman

December 9, 2010, 12:20 PM

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=559575

Just gave another gentleman my humble opinion, on the very same subject, about 5 seconds ago!

Welcome to The High Road!

-tc

Olympus

December 9, 2010, 01:36 PM

I'd recommend the 617. My dad has the 6 inch with target grips and it was first pistol I learned to shoot with when I was a kid.

My general recommendation for people just starting out is to buy something as nice as you can afford. If you play it safe and buy something cheap, you may end up not liking it and you'll want to trade it for something better. So in the end, you'll likely be more happy with going with something that's a little better quality. Once you start getting a small little collection going, that's when I'd recommend venturing into buying cheaper guns. Because some of the cheaper guns are actually pretty good, I own a few myself. But for your first gun, I'd hate for you to be disappointed. And I can guarantee you won't be disappointed with the 617. It will be fine quality gun that you can save and teach your children how to shoot on when they get old enough.

fastfreddie

December 9, 2010, 01:47 PM

Don't make an impulse purchase at the show, just because you are ready to get one. There is plenty of time. I made that mistake a lot, and have now learned to have some patience. If it's like the gun shows here in NC, you may not find that great of a deal on exactly what you want anyway.

Also I would say don't be afraid to purchase a used gun that is in good condition. A lot of times you can find great deals on nice firearms that have been lightly used. Brand spanking new doesn't matter so much if you are buying quality.

I also wouldn't be afraid to buy an older gun, even from the 50's or 60's. The saying is true for many firearms brands. They don't make em' like they used to.

I find myself more attached to the older guns I purchase than the ones new in box. (or best of all, an old gun that is still new in the box, though these normally command a premium)

I think you are on the right track starting with a .22. Don't completely rule out a Single Action or a semi-auto until you have handled and shot a few.

Good luck! Wish I had $400 or $500 free at the moment like you!

rcmodel

December 9, 2010, 01:55 PM

Save up your money and get the S&W you want.

It will be a life-time investment you will always enjoy shooting if you take proper care of it.

rc

Olympus

December 9, 2010, 02:06 PM

Also I would say don't be afraid to purchase a used gun that is in good condition. A lot of times you can find great deals on nice firearms that have been lightly used. Brand spanking new doesn't matter so much if you are buying quality.

I also wouldn't be afraid to buy an older gun, even from the 50's or 60's. The saying is true for many firearms brands. They don't make em' like they used to.

Good advice, especially concerning older revolvers. I just don't see the quality, craftsmanship, and pride in the work on some of the new revolvers as I see in the old revolvers. When I look at most new revolvers, all I see are cheaper parts, corners cut, and lower quality finishes. I've got several revolvers and I bought all them used. And unless some things change, I'll continue buying older used revolvers.

BullRunBear

December 9, 2010, 02:23 PM

I understand your eagerness to get that first gun but take the time to try as many as possible and to look for the right deal. As others said, don't be afraid to get a used gun. My K-22 and K-38 are from the 1950s as are a couple of Ruger single actions. I'm the third owner in these cases. Aside from some normal cosmetic wear they are all superb shooters. Check the sticky on buying a used revolver at the top of this section.

Whether new or used, you won't go wrong with a S&W DA 22lr revolver in good shape. They are guns for the generations.

Good luck with your search.

Jeff

Marshall

December 9, 2010, 02:34 PM

A S&W 617 is a great handgun, first gun or thirty first gun.

wanderinwalker

December 9, 2010, 07:00 PM

Wait a little while longer, save your money, be patient and find a nice used K-frame .22LR. A Model 18, 17 or a 617 in any of the configurations would be a great first handgun. Cheap to shoot, accurate and durable. The only downside I can think of is waiting to get one if you want one.

Be patient, something will turn up. I remember for my 21st I wanted a big-bore handgun, either a 1911 in .45 ACP or a .44 Magnum. A nice, used 6" 629-1 turned up at one of the LGS's. I still don't have a 1911... ;)

Good luck and good hunting!

neededausername

December 9, 2010, 10:42 PM

The OP said he was 20 he can't legally purchase a handgun. His father can buy it and gift it to him when he is of age, but none of the funds can come from the OP.

David G.

December 9, 2010, 10:49 PM

He's buying it at a gun show. It really just depends on the person selling, are they an FFL or are they doing a private sale? I bought a S&W 5904 9mm pistol at a gun show last year, I was 18 and it was fully legal.

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